Towards vaccine equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 0–5 years: a rapid review of enablers, barriers and characteristics of successful programs

BACKGROUND: Well-implemented vaccination programs can reduce infectious disease burden in an equitable and cost-effective manner. This rapid review used a strengths-based approach to identify enablers and barriers to vaccination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 0-5 years, and identify the characteristics of effective programs to improve vaccination coverage and timeliness. METHODS: Databases and grey literature sources were searched for articles published between 2013 and 2025. Following screening, an inductive coding process informed by Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis was utilised to consolidate qualitative data. RESULTS: Twelve studies discussing enablers, barriers and characteristics of successful programs to increase vaccination rates were included. These studies were heterogenous in design and population. CONCLUSIONS: Despite variability between settings and communities, service access barriers, such as lack of adequate transport and opening hours, were commonly cited throughout the included studies, as well as lack of cultural safety. This review emphasises the value of community ownership and local responsiveness of programs aimed at increasing vaccination timeliness and coverage, and the importance of strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.